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DIMAPUR — In a bid to promote clean air and raise awareness about the importance of good air quality, the Kohima Forest Division, under the National Clean Air programme, organised a marathon race for school students in Kohima on Saturday.
The event, themed ‘Together for clean air,’ saw a total of 143 students from 15 schools participating in the 5.6 km race, which began at Phoolbari at 6 am and culminated at the AZ Phizo Memorial Park, New Secretariat, an update stated.
Speaking during the prize distribution ceremony, Hemant K Bhaskar, Conservator of Forest (CF), emphasised the significance of creating awareness about good air quality and encouraged individual action to bring about change.
He lauded the participants, particularly the 20 students who completed the race within 20 minutes.
Dr. Sevono Seletsu, DCF Kohima, expressed gratitude to the participants, traffic police, medical team, parents and teachers for their support in making the event a success. She also thanked Chisayi, DFO Kohima, for his mentorship and guidance.
The winners of the marathon race were awarded cash prizes and certificates. In the girls' category, Menenuo Merlyn Belho of Christ King Higher Secondary School emerged as the winner, followed by Vilesienuo Mepfhüo and Kezieno Peseyie of North Field Higher Secondary School in the second and third positions, respectively.
In the boys' category, Chatha Rutsa of Christ King Higher Secondary School won the first position, followed by Seyiedelie Chuse of Mt. Sinai Higher Secondary School and Tsüdovei William of Christ King Higher Secondary School in the second and third positions, respectively.
The participants also signed a pledge on the pledge wall, demonstrating their commitment to promoting clean air.
Earlier, the event, chaired by Keneiravinuo, LDA-cum computer assistant, Kohima Forest Division, began with a blessing from Pithungo, pastor of Kingdom Harvest Church.
“The Kohima Forest Division has been actively engaged in creating awareness about air pollution among students through various competitions, including painting, slogan and essay writing, and drawing competitions, under the National Clean Air Programme,” it stated.